God's Not Dead 2 (2016)

Natalie Canerday: Mrs. Rizzo

Quotes 

• Superintendent Jim Powell : Good afternoon, Ms. Wesley. I've asked Bob Fessler to sit in, he's the school's attorney, to advise us on any legal issues we might be brushing up against.

  Grace Wesley : Should I have a lawyer, too?

  Superintendent Jim Powell : Oh, I don't see the need for that. Ms. Rizzo is present as your union representation.

  Grace Wesley : Okay.

  Superintendent Jim Powell : We are here to hear your side of the story. Now, I understand a student in your second-period history class asked a question about the parallels between the teachings of Gandhi and remarks allegedly made by Jesus.

  Grace Wesley : Yes, that's correct.

  Superintendent Jim Powell : And your answer incorporated specific detailed reference to those teachings that included Scripture itself, the words of Jesus.

  Grace Wesley : Yes.

  Mrs. Rizzo : What were you thinkin', Grace?

  Superintendent Jim Powell : Do you believe your response was in line with district policy?

  Grace Wesley : Yes.

  School Attorney : As well as in compliance with state and federal guidelines?

  Grace Wesley : Yes, sir.

  School Attorney : Well, Ms. Wesley, unfortunately for you, I'm fairly certain the school board will disagree.

• Mrs. Rizzo : Hey, what do you call a teacher with no students?

  First Teacher : Unemployed.

  Frazzled Teacher : I got it, how about ecstatic?

  Mrs. Rizzo : You're both right. Retired! Only 36 days to go!

  Grace Wesley : You know you're gonna miss the kids when you're gone, Rizzo.

  Mrs. Rizzo : No, Grace. That's sweet, but no, I won't. The older I get, the more difficult these kids are to deal with.

  Frazzled Teacher : Oh, I totally agree. Yesterday, I just about snatched at Tim Webster. That boy had me on my last nerve.

  Grace Wesley : Well, I happen to think that difficult students can be a blessing.

  First Teacher : Grace, honey, when is this optimism ever gonna wear off?

• Tom Endler : Mrs. Rizzo, in the school's initial inquiry into this matter, you were Ms. Wesley's representative on behalf of the teacher's union, were you not?

  Mrs. Rizzo : Yes.

  Tom Endler : And did you ever consider that your disapproval of her faith might taint your ability to represent her properly?

  Pete Kane : Objection, speculative.

  Judge Stennis : Sustained.

  Rev. Dave : [one of his fellow jurors sneezes]  God bless you.

  Tom Endler : Careful, or you might end up on trial.

• Pete Kane : Mrs. Rizzo, did Ms. Wesley talk about faith issues on the school campus?

  Mrs. Rizzo : All the time. Everybody knows she's a Christian. I don't think she'd chew a stick of gum without praying first. It makes everyone feel awkward.

  Pete Kane : Thank you. No further questions, Your Honor.

  Judge Stennis : Your witness, Mr. Endler.

  Tom Endler : Mrs. Rizzo, you stated that Ms. Wesley talks about her faith all the time. I'm curious, can you give me a specific instance?

  Mrs. Rizzo : Well, not off the top of my head.

  Tom Endler : Well, has she, as far as you're aware, ever started her class with a prayer?

  Mrs. Rizzo : No.

  Tom Endler : Has she ever asked anyone in the teacher's lounge to pray with her?

  Mrs. Rizzo : No.

  Tom Endler : Has she ever asked you personally to pray with her?

  Pete Kane : Objection, Your Honor.

  Mrs. Rizzo : No.

  Pete Kane : Cumulative. The question has effectively been asked and answered.

  Tom Endler : Your Honor, Mrs. Rizzo's sworn testimony states that Ms. Wesley talked about her faith all the time, yet she's failed to cite a single instance. I'm merely trying to discover some basis for her opinion.

  Judge Stennis : Sustained. Mr. Endler, we're done with this line of questioning.